Director Sriram Raghavan recently shared insights about the making of his notable 2004 thriller, “Ek Hasina Thi,” highlighting initial reservations from star Saif Ali Khan regarding his involvement. The film, which marked Raghavan’s directorial debut, was produced by Ram Gopal Varma and featured Urmila Matondkar opposite Khan in leading roles.
Raghavan noted that Saif was hesitant to take on the project, as he had just experienced moderate success with “Dil Chahta Hai.” Feeling uncertain about his career trajectory, Saif initially questioned whether “Ek Hasina Thi” was the right move. Raghavan recounts how their mutual appreciation for similar films and literature helped foster a relationship of trust between them.
The director, recognized for his expertise in thrillers with titles like “Badlapur” and “Andhadhun,” explained that the concept for “Ek Hasina Thi” originated after he missed out on directing “Ab Tak Chhappan.” Raghavan elaborated that he was previously engaged in a different project with Varma, which fell through, leading to the opportunity to explore this new narrative.
Raghavan described his excitement upon receiving the new story, emphasizing a strong determination to ensure he connected with it creatively. He mentioned that the script, which was penned by Pooja Ladha Surti, felt raw and was structured more like a novel, enhancing his interest in the project.
Reflecting on his experience with Varma, Raghavan highlighted key lessons learned about the importance of originality and enjoying the filmmaking process. After completing the film, Varma praised Raghavan’s work, advising him not to fall into the trap of repeating himself and to find joy in his future projects.
In a discussion about film inspirations, Raghavan revealed his past ambition to adapt Ira Levin’s novel “A Kiss Before Dying.” However, he had to abandon the project when he discovered it was in development for a Hindi remake, which later became “Baazigar” starring Shah Rukh Khan.
Raghavan’s latest film, “Ikkis,” is a biographical drama that chronicles the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, portrayed by Agastya Nanda. While the film received favorable reviews for its focus on themes of peace, it struggled to attract significant audiences in theaters.